1946 Harley-Davidson FL Knucklehead

Engine: V-twin, OHV, four-stroke, air-cooled
Displacement: 1200 cc (74 ci)
Bore & Stroke: 87.3 x 100.8 mm (3.4375 x 3.97 in)
Power: 39.52 kW (53 hp)
Transmission: 4-forward
Weight: 254 kg (560 lb)
Original Cost: C $629 (estimate)  

The Harley-Davidson FL is based on the 1936 EL model that became the hallmark for future Harley-Davidson models. It featured the legendary 74 cubic inch “Knucklehead” engine that remained in production until 1947. The “Knucklehead” nickname came from the shape of the engine valve cover contours which resemble knuckles on a person's fist. The 1946 Harley also had many features that were discontinued after this year including the stylish cat’s-eye instrument panel and the streamlined tail light. Added for this year were the spring fork shock absorbers and new 30-degree steering head called the “bull neck.”

After Stan Reynolds finished flying for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in the Second World War, he invested all his savings to start his own business.  His one personal indulgence was a brand new 1946 Harley-Davidson Model FL motorcycle.

Years after selling his bike, regret led Stan to hunt for a replacement, but none was found. Finally in 2010, a bike like Stan’s was located in Virginia and purchased by the Reynolds Heritage Preservation Foundation. To fully bring the bike back to the one of Stan’s youth, it was restored and repainted Civil Defence Grey.

Chronology:

1903 - William A. Davidson, Walter Davidson Sr., Arthur Davidson and William S. Harley founded Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
1904 - Prototype machine raced in Milwaukee.
1905 - Started producing a limited number of motorcyles.
1906 - Harley-Davidson built their first factory.
1907 - Production increased and introduced their V-Twin prototype.
1911 - Introduced their improved V-twin model.
1912 - Introduced their patented "Ful-Floteing" seat.
1917 - Started producing bikes for the military and also launched a line of motorcycles aimed at the domestic market.
1920 - Harley-Davidson becomes the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
1921 - Otto Walker, riding a Harley, set the record for the first motorcycle to win a race at greater than 160 km/h (100 mph).
1929 - Harley introduced the Model D - a flat-head V-twin aimed to compete with Indian and Excelsior. Vivian Boles drove 5,000 miles acoss the United States and Canada on a Model D.
1929-1933 The Great Depression caused sales of motorcycles to plummet but Harley-Davidson still continued to produce motorcycles.
1934 - Harley-Davidson unveiled a new line-up of motorcycles.
1936 - Knucklehead engine models introduced.
1939-1945 - Harley produced a large number of motorcycles for military efforts during the Second World War.
1969 - After years of financial troubles, AMF buys the Harley-Davidson Company. To make the company profitable, AMF streamlined production and slashed the workforce, causing sales and quality to decline.
1969 - Purchased by Stan Reynolds in Washington State, USA.
1981 - AMF sold Harley-Davidson and the new investors changed operations, adding new technologies and improving quality and slowly growing the brand repuation.
1990 - Harley introduces the Fat Boy motorcyle which became the industry leader in the heavyweight motorcycle market.
2003 - Harley-Davidson celebrates their 100th anniversary.
2019 - Motorcycle donated to the Reynolds-Alberta Museum.